Monday, January 23, 2012

The Artisan’s Apprentice, Parramatta

One of Parramatta’s true food gems can be found hidden in one this suburbs many arcades.  Hiding in the middle of The Connection Arcade is Parramatta's very own sourdough bakery! It's not as big as Brasserie Bread or Bourke Street Bakery (the Marrickville branch that is) and doesn't have a cafe, but man it is GOOD!



Sourdough dominates in this artisan bakery with owner and baker Chris Chamberlain making bread in the ways of yesteryear with some recipes dating back to the 13th Century. Breads are dense, heavy and a meal in themselves (but goes with soup or salad if you're a piggy like moi).  Chris' wife Chris (wo)mans the shop most days and hands over the loaves to the waiting bread-o-philes like myself.


Offerings range from a ye olde worlde 13th Century Fruit Loaf packed with dried fruits and spice, to 100% rye bread, sweet potato and onion bread, and the more adventurous Roast Beetroot Bread.  And yes I've tried most of them.  The best-selling Olive and Rosemary is probably my favourite.

Rosemary and Olive Bread - giggyup good!

Roast Beetroot Bread
Sweet tooths are not forgotten, with a selection of delectable pastries and sweet pies also on offer.  You can also grab yourself a coffee or cold drink and make a day of it.  And, I like that Baker Chis has a sense of humour. For Easter last year he made Hot Cross Easter Circles as the trauma of making thousands upon thousands of Hot Cross Buns at a previous job still haunt him.

Hot Cross Easter...Circle?
Something for the sweet tooth.
The Artisan's Apprentice can be found in The Connection Arcade Shop 9, 162-172 Church Street, Parramatta.

the Artisans Apprentice on Urbanspoon

17 comments:

  1. In my quest for the best sourdough in Sydney I'll have to put this place on my to do list.

    I love the idea of beetroot bread simply because I've never heard of it before!

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  2. Hi Richard...they are good, the beetroot bread is great. I'm not sure these guys are open on weekends anymore though...they said they got tired. LOLs.

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  3. Beetroot bread? Why can't clever people open businesses like this on the Sunshine Coast?? I think I know the answer LOL

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    1. Awww, I do know how you feel. We are VERY lucky to have this bakery in our suburb as we're really know for our artisan products like the Eastern Suburbs are.

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  4. OH MY GOD THAT BREAD!!!

    It looks SO good, especially the Rosemary and Olive bread, I want some noooowwwww. Sometimes I think white trash supermarket bread is just way too easy for people... customers become complacent... bread should be like this artistic and amazing, something that is as special as the main event.

    I've read Fashion Babylon it was good!! You must read Strictly Confidential, you'll love it if you loved Fashion Babylon.

    xox

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    1. I know some people complain about the price of bread like this but it's an artisan product, it's hand made and good for you.

      I know have Strictly Confidential on my Kindle wishlist...it sounds like a fun read.

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  5. Yummm - the honey and lavender sounds interesting too

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  6. Yum Mel, maybe another place to put on my 'bakery tour of Sydney' list! I might have to try olive and rosemary in my bread...sounds like a yummy twist on the plain olive :)

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    1. It would be favourite bread of their's...hand's down!

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  7. Mmmmmm...delicious!!!!
    Great blog, I´ll follow
    xoxo

    http://besosmulticolor.blogspot.com/

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  8. I will be checking this place out for sure! so good to discover new local places , i have never heard of the connection arcade???

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  9. I think I walked past this place on the way to the Polish deli - is it near the Station / Hungry Jack's? I should have poked my head in but I was already lugging 2 loaves of Polish bread, 4 donuts and numerous kilos of sausage! If that's the shop, I'll make sure to visit next time... mmm roasted beetroot bread!

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  10. YUM!!! beetroot bread sounds absolutely amazing, as does everything else in there. Wish I lived closer :(

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  11. I can't believe there's something so awesome in parramatta! I'll definitely have to check it out :) (also, what's this about a Polish deli?)

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  12. I love this bakery, it is a hidden gem in Parramatta!

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  13. Roast beetroot bread, come to mama!! Looks awesome here.

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